Glucose is the most important energy for us to live, and is the energy source that forms the basis of life phenomena in living organisms. Originally, the glucose concentration (blood sugar) in the body is skillfully regulated so that it remains almost constant before and after meals.

Insulin is a hormone that plays a central role in glucose metabolism.Insulin is produced specifically in pancreatic β-cells, is secreted extracellularly when blood sugar levels rise, and acts on muscle, fat, and liver to lower blood sugar levels.

from pancreatic β-cells in diabetesimpaired insulin secretionand obesity-associated muscle and liverimpaired insulin action(insulin resistance) is recognized.
In particular, Japanese people have a weak ability to secrete insulin, and even a little overweight can easily lead to diabetes. In addition, insulin resistance is not only a factor in diabetes, but also involved in the development of fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, and arteriosclerosis.

In our laboratory, we are studying the regulation mechanism of metabolism by transcription factors and nuclear factors. Through the elucidation of new metabolic control networks, we aim to understand the basic principles of life, elucidate the molecular basis of diseases, and develop new therapeutic methods (see figure below).).